HC Deb 21 June 1999 vol 333 c305W
29. Laura Moffatt

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence when the Government intends to sign the memorandum of understanding with the UN in relation to peacekeeping and peace support operations. [86559]

Mr. George Robertson

The Government intend shortly to sign the Memorandum of Understanding with the UN, which declares UK forces as potentially available for UN peacekeeping operations.

Mr. Gapes

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will make a statement on the role of British forces in international peacekeeping and peace enforcement missions. [86538]

Mr. Doug Henderson

The Strategic Defence Review identified that our less stable world will require more international peace support operations. The UK will play its full part in such international efforts, as we are in KFOR in Kosovo.

UK forces have particular experience and expertise in peace implementation missions such as IFOR and SFOR in Bosnia. Many of the enhancements to our military capability following the Strategic Defence Review will have a direct application in peace support operations.